Nipah virus fears trigger airport screening across Asia after cases in India

Authorities across several Asian countries have strengthened airport health screening protocols after India reported two confirmed cases of the Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease with a high mortality rate. Countries including Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia took preventive action amid concerns about potential cross-border transmission.

The Indian government’s health agencies are monitoring the situation closely, conducting contact tracing and enhancing clinical preparedness in regions where the cases were identified. The World Health Organization has been notified, and neighbouring countries are coordinating responses to avoid further spread.

Travel advisories and public health guidance have been updated, with airports installing thermal screening and risk assessment checks. Health officials emphasise that timely screening and hospital readiness are key to mitigating outbreaks of such infectious diseases.